Minutes—or was it hours?—passed in silence. Zhu Zhuqing had lost track of time, only aware of the unfamiliar presence beside her. This stranger, Xu Yunhan, had been sitting quietly for what felt like an eternity without uttering a word.
She wasn't one for idle chatter, but the prolonged stillness unnerved her. Strangely, it also helped calm her turbulent emotions.
Noticing his gaze fixed behind her, she finally broke the silence. "What are you staring at?"
Xu Yunhan answered without hesitation. "I was wondering if your cat ears and tail are real or just accessories."
The question caught her off guard. Most people found them endearing—who cared whether they were real?
"Ridiculous," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
His attention shifted to her face. "So, Zhu Zhuqing, where are you from? What brings you here?"
She avoided his gaze, unwilling to share.
"Meeting twice in one day—that's fate," he continued.
Or stalking, she thought bitterly. "Don't flatter yourself."
He chuckled. "Fate works in mysterious ways. If you're looking for a place to stay, consider Shrek Academy."
The name piqued her interest despite herself. She'd heard mixed rumors about the academy during her days in Suotuo City. "Shrek Academy?"
Xu Yunhan nodded. "It's a humble place, but don't let appearances fool you. Five teachers—three Soul Sages, two Soul Douluos. Four students, including me. The others aren't as exceptional, but they're on par with your talent."
How would you know my talent? she scoffed internally. Still, the faculty's strength surprised her. "Three Soul Sages and two Soul Douluos, hiding in the countryside running an unrecognized academy? Unbelievable."
Such powerhouses could easily secure prestigious positions in noble houses or imperial institutions.
Xu Yunhan shrugged. "Everyone has their reasons. Maybe I'll retire to farm after becoming a god."
A god? The sheer audacity made her pause. Yet, something in his tone suggested he wasn't joking.
Her own ambitions had never stretched beyond Soul Sage, perhaps Soul Douluo if she dared to dream. But godhood?
"How old are you?" she asked skeptically. "What's your rank?"
He smirked. "I'm thirteen. Just hit 42nd-rank."
Her eyes widened. Impossible.
Before she could voice her disbelief, he stood. "It's late. Get some rest. If you doubt me, visit Shrek Academy and see for yourself."
Frustrated by his abrupt exit, she returned to her room, thoughts swirling—about Dai Mubai's betrayal, Xu Yunhan's claims, and whether Shrek Academy might offer refuge.
Sleep came fitfully, her dreams oddly tinged with Xu Yunhan's presence.
The next morning, Zhu Zhuqing set out to verify the rumors. The most absurd one? Shrek Academy's dean runs a shop in Suotuo.
A Soul Sage, reduced to peddling wares?
Yet, curiosity led her to a tucked-away store—where, to her exasperation, Xu Yunhan was already haggling with a bespectacled man.
"Him again?"
Inside, Xu Yunhan turned, grinning. "Zhu Zhuqing! Fate really loves us."
The shopkeeper—Franklin, presumably—eyed her with interest. "A friend of yours, Yunhan?"
Xu Yunhan didn't take the bait. "Dean, this is Zhu Zhuqing. Under thirteen, already a Soul Grandmaster. I've been recruiting her."
Franklin's eyes gleamed. "Shrek Academy welcomes geniuses. Like Yunhan here—thirteen, already a Soul Ancestor. Unprecedented!"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 20 on my patreon, go check it out.
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